The doctors will decide if Kubica is fit to return - Todt

FIA President Jean Todt has responded to speculation regarding the possibility of Robert Kubica returning to Formula 1 with Williams for 2018, insisting that it will be up to the doctors to decide on the Pole's fitness as he bounces back from the injury that almost ended his career.

Kubica suffered a serious accident while rallying in 2011, severly damaging his right hand, arm and leg, and has been out of the sport until this season when he has been utilising by Williams for testing purposes.

With Felipe Massa's decision to retire, a position is open for next season but a number of former drivers, including Juan Pablo Montoya and Jacques Villeneuve, have expressed concerns over Kubica's ability to appropriately control the car.

However, Todt has moved to dismiss any such notions by stressting that the FIA is comfortable with Kubica's physical condition.

He said: "We have expert people who are there – and I am sure all necessary steps will be done if we have to face the situation.

“Drivers, they come and they leave – and of course Kubica is different because the reason he had to stop was that he had a very bad rally crash. He survived from it and he came back into the business in rallying.

“Now he is in single-seaters, so time will tell. But clearly, we have all the standards to give the medical checks, so it up to the doctors to decide.”

Kubica remains the clear front-runner for Massa's seat next season, paired with young Canadian Lance Stroll.